Ms. Zhang is a 40-year-old professional woman who is usually very busy at work and often works overtime. She doesn't have any bad habits or obvious pain, but she always feels that something is wrong on her face lately.
She found that her face had turned pale, some fine lines appeared at the corners of her eyes, some redness and swelling on the sides of her nose, and her lips had become chapped and dry. She thought it was due to work stress, lack of sleep, and lack of skin dehydration, so she didn't care too much. She just bought some skincare and moisturizer and thought about adding more moisture.
However, she did not expect that these changes in her face were actually a distress signal sent by her body. It turned out that she had an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus. This disease causes a dysregulated immune system, attacking its own tissues and organs, causing damage to multiple systems such as skin, joints, kidneys, and heart. If left undiagnosed and treated, it can be life-threatening.
How did Ms. Zhang find out she had the disease? And how did she treat and prevent this disease?
An unexpected discovery
Ms. Zhang's story begins with an unexpected discovery. It was a weekend morning, and she had just woken up to go wash. She took a look in the mirror and suddenly found that there was something strange on her face.
When she looked closely, it turned out to be small red spots on the bridge of her nose, cheeks and forehead. She touched it and felt some pain and heat. She thought, is this some kind of skin disease? Or an allergic reaction? She was a little worried, so she quickly opened her phone and searched for relevant information.
She entered the keyword "facial erythema" and clicked the search button. The results show content such as web pages, images, videos, and news. She casually clicked on a webpage and saw a paragraph introducing systemic lupus erythematosus, exactly like her own condition. After reading it, Ms. Zhang felt a pang of horror.
She quickly compared the red spots on her face to the pictures displayed on the web and found that they were very similar. She recalled her recent physical condition and found that in addition to facial changes, there were other abnormalities. She suddenly realized that she might really have the terrible disease of systemic lupus erythematosus.
A timely diagnosis
Without further thought, Ms. Zhang immediately called her husband and asked him to accompany her to the hospital. They went to a specialist dermatology hospital and found an experienced dermatologist. The doctor carefully questioned Ms. Zhang's medical history, family history, allergy history, etc., and then conducted a comprehensive physical examination of her.
The doctor found that Ms. Zhang's facial erythema did match the characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus, and she had other symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes, heart murmur, abnormal kidney function, etc. The doctor told Ms. Zhang that she most likely had systemic lupus erythematosus, but that some laboratory tests were needed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the condition.
After a while, the test results came in. Ms. Zhang took the result sheet and returned to the doctor's office. The doctor carefully looked at the result sheet, and then said to Ms. Zhang: "I am sorry to tell you that you do suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus. You have some special antibodies in your blood, called antinuclear antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, which are specific markers of systemic lupus erythematosus.
There are some other abnormal indicators in your blood, such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin, decreased complement, etc., which indicate that your immune system is seriously out of balance. There are also some abnormal indicators in your urine, such as proteinuria, casts, red blood cell urine, etc., which indicate that your kidneys have been damaged. ”
An effective treatment
Ms. Zhang listened to the doctor's words and felt a pang of heartbreak. She asked the doctor, "So what do I do now?" Is there a cure for systemic lupus erythematosus? Can I still live a normal life? ”
The doctor comforted her and said, you don't worry too much, although systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic irreversible disease, if diagnosed and treated in time, it can effectively control the condition, reduce complications, and improve the quality of life. What you need to do now is, as I suggested, take some medication.
You also need to come to the hospital regularly for re-examinations to monitor your blood, urine, immunology and other indicators so that you can adjust the dose and type of drugs in time. Pay attention to some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding the sun, reducing stress, maintaining good sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising properly, etc., which can help you strengthen your physique, prevent infections, and improve your skin.
Ms. Zhang listened to the doctor's words and felt that there was some hope. She decided to actively pursue treatment and recuperation as recommended by her doctor. She also thanked her husband and family for their support and companionship. She believed that with perseverance, she could defeat this terrible disease.
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, that is, it is caused by a dysregulated immune system. Under normal circumstances, the immune system is our body's protective mechanism, which can recognize and eliminate foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, etc.
However, in systemic lupus erythematosus, the immune system goes wrong, and instead of protecting our own tissues and organs, it attacks them. This leads to chronic nonspecific inflammatory responses and tissue damage in various parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus?
The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are very diverse and complex because it can affect various systems and organs throughout the body. Different patients may present differently, and symptoms can vary in severity and cycle over time and in the environment. In general, some common symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus include:
1. Butterfly erythema
This is a classic manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and one of the facial changes mentioned in the title of this article. It is a red patch on the bridge of the nose and cheeks that appear in a butterfly shape, sometimes accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation. This erythema usually worsens or appears after sun exposure and decreases or disappears with protection from light or medication.
2. Swollen and painful joints
This is the most common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and one of the first manifestations in many patients. It refers to swelling, stiffness, pain, and sometimes joint dysfunction of the joints of the fingers, wrists, knees, etc. This joint swelling and pain usually worsens or appears in the morning or after a change in temperature, and decreases or disappears with activity or medication.
3. Canker ulcers
This is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and one that many patients tend to overlook. It refers to the appearance of small, shallow ulcers on the oral mucosa, usually distributed on the tongue, cheeks, gums, etc. These ulcers usually don't cause much discomfort, but they can affect eating and speech.
What are the causes of systemic lupus erythematosus?
The exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus is unknown, but it is thought that it may be related to a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, hormones, infections, etc. On the one hand, systemic lupus erythematosus has a certain genetic predisposition, that is, if someone in your family has the disease, you are at higher risk.
On the other hand, systemic lupus erythematosus is also affected by some external factors, such as sunlight, drugs, tobacco and alcohol, stress, infection, etc., which may trigger or aggravate abnormal reactions of the immune system.
SLE is also related to gender and age, and women are more likely to develop the disease than men, especially during childbearing years, which may be related to changes in female hormones. In general, the age of onset of systemic lupus erythematosus is between 15 and 45 years.
What are the treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus?
There is currently no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, but it can be controlled and alleviated by both pharmacological and non-pharmacological means.
Here are some ways to treat medication.
1. Hormonal drugs
These drugs suppress the overactivity of the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response throughout the body. Although these drugs are effective, they also have many side effects, such as weight gain, edema, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, etc.
2. Immunosuppressants
These drugs can suppress certain links or cells of the immune system, thereby reducing the immune system's attack on its own tissues and organs. Although these drugs can effectively control the condition of some patients with refractory or severe systemic lupus erythematosus, they also have many side effects, such as infection, liver and kidney damage, and leukopenia.
3. Antimalarial drugs
These drugs were originally intended to treat and prevent malaria, but they were later found to also fight systemic lupus erythematosus. Such drugs can improve the performance of the skin and joints, reduce blood lipids and platelets and other indicators, and have a certain anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect. The side effects of these drugs are relatively few, but there are some problems to pay attention to, such as eye examination, electrocardiogram monitoring, etc.
Considerations for non-drug treatments:
1. Avoid sun exposure
Sun is an important predisposing factor in systemic lupus erythematosus, which can stimulate immune cells on the skin, leading to increased skin erythema and other symptoms. Therefore, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should try to avoid sun exposure, especially during the summer and noon hours. If you must go out, wear a hat, sunglasses, mask, etc., apply sunscreen, etc., and protect your skin.
2. Reduce stress
Stress is another important trigger for systemic lupus erythematosus, which can affect the balance of the immune system, leading to overactivity or suppression of the immune system. Therefore, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should minimize stress and maintain a good mood and sleep. If you encounter difficulties or setbacks, seek help and support from family, friends or professionals in time to release your negative emotions.
3. Eat a balanced diet
Diet is also important for people with systemic lupus erythematosus, which can affect the nutritional and metabolic status of the body. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should pay attention to a balanced diet and eat more foods rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, etc.
Eat less or do not eat foods rich in animal fat, cholesterol, salt and other harmful substances, such as fatty meat, cream, egg yolks, pickles, etc., and avoid eating some foods that may cause allergies or irritation, such as peppers, peanuts, seafood, etc.
4. Exercise appropriately
Exercise is also beneficial for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, it can enhance the body's physique and immunity, improve blood circulation and oxygen supply, relieve joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, etc.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a very serious autoimmune disease that affects the functioning of various systems and organs throughout the body. Therefore, we should pay attention to the facial health of ourselves and those around us, detect abnormalities in time and seek professional medical help.
At the same time, we should also pay attention to protecting our immune system and avoid some factors that induce or aggravate systemic lupus erythematosus, such as sunlight, drugs, stress, infection, etc. In addition, we should also follow the doctor's instructions and take some drugs, such as hormones, immunosuppressants, antimalarial drugs, etc.
As well as improving some lifestyles, such as a balanced diet, proper exercise, reducing stress, and maintaining good sleep. In this way, we can effectively control and alleviate the condition of systemic lupus erythematosus, reduce complications and improve the quality of life.
Have you ever encountered or learned about the disease systemic lupus erythematosus? Do you have any other methods or experiences to prevent and treat systemic lupus erythematosus?
Welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share your thoughts and experience. Maybe one word of yours can help others. Thank you for reading!